Mobile Arcade Business Winner of Big Ideas Hastings

HASTINGS, Neb. — A local entrepreneur with a vision for a mobile arcade business took home the grand prize at Big Idea Hastings.

Brandon Jewell of Hastings has been working on the Battle Bus Mobile Arcade for several years. His vision is to renovate a school bus outfitted with arcade games that can travel to local events and bring video game entertainment to the community.

Big Idea Hastings is a local take on the television show “Shark Tank.” Nineteen applicants signed up for the contest to pitch a business, product or service idea. From those applicants, 10 were selected for Tuesday night’s event, where each finalist pitched their idea to a panel of judges. The audience then determined the top three finishers and the recipient of the $5,000 grand prize.

In addition to the cash award, Big Idea Hastings Coordinator Maggie Esch said each finalist gains access to local resources and connections with area entrepreneurs.

“Big idea Hastings is not about winning. I told every single finalist that it is about the exposure and the connections that you make the night of Big Idea. That happens every year Big Idea Hastings is just one night so I’m after tonight we will actually connect them with a list of professional partners in the community. These are local professionals that have donated free and discounted services specifically to our top five but that will connect with any of our finalist. So, yes, Big Idea Hastings is just one night,but we’re looking at how we can get these ideas to move forward.” 

Caden Block Media finished in second place, earning a $1,000 cash prize, while Broken Arts Club placed third and received $500.